Other conditions with symptoms similar to pulmonary embolism

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Other conditions with symptoms similar to pulmonary embolism

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Many other conditions may cause symptoms similar to pulmonary embolism.

Heart conditions often confused with pulmonary embolism

Heart attack
Heart failure or pulmonary edema
Irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia)
Pericarditis or pericardial effusion

Lung conditions often confused with pulmonary embolism

Pneumonia
Lung cancer
Pleurisy or pleural effusions
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
A collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

Other conditions often confused with pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism may also be considered whenever shortness of breath (dyspnea) or fainting (syncope) occurs without an obvious cause.¹

References

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Citations
American Thoracic Society (1999). The diagnostic approach to acute venous thromboembolism: Clinical practice guideline. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 160(3): 1043–1066. Also available online: http://www.thoracic.org/adobe/statements/venous1-24.pdf.

Credits

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology
Last Updated	February 13, 2007

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Last updated:	February 13, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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